Southern District police are searching for a man believed to have been driving a stolen vehicle and who allegedly fled from officers before dumping the car in Arrowtown.
Police found the silver 2002 MItsubishi Diamante saloon abandoned on Advance Tce this morning and are looking for Tony Ashley Gorrie.
The 47-year-old has a warrant to arrest and police are appealing to the public for any sightings of him.
Senior Sergeant Brian Benn said the vehicle, registration number AYQ631, was stolen on April 25 from a rental car company in Wanaka and was involved in petrol drive-off.
It was seen in Dunedin with different plates - FMT587 (front plate) and CBY147 (back plate) - on Wednesday before officers spotted it in Arrowtown this morning.
Police signalled to the driver to stop, but he fled and a pursuit began. However, police pulled back due to the unnecessary risk the driving posed to the public, Snr Sgt Benn said.
Tony Gorrie is described as 175cm tall and of medium build. He has not been seen since allegedly leaving the vehicle in Arrowtown.
Police said the man may be in the area or have hitched a ride to somewhere else in the Central Otago region.
Any sightings of him should be reported to the nearest police station, the Dunedin District Command Centre (03) 471-5002 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
